On October 25, Taiwan commemorated the 79th anniversary of its liberation from Japanese rule. An academic seminar titled “Working Together Across the Straits to Create a Better Future — Commemorating the 79th Anniversary of Taiwan’s Liberation” was held in Beijing on this significant date. Attendees discussed various topics, including the historical context and contemporary significance of Taiwan’s liberation, the shared struggle against aggression, and the joint efforts of both sides to achieve national rejuvenation and reunification.
In an interview with the China News Service, Lai Shengliang, deputy director of the Memorial Hall of the Chinese People’s Anti-Japanese War, emphasized that Taiwan’s liberation is an integral part of China’s great victory in the anti-Japanese war, underscoring the historical and legal facts that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China’s territory. He expressed hope that this commemoration will further promote the spirit of resistance and unite people across the strait to contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Lin Mingcong, president of the Association of Descendants of Taiwanese Anti-Japanese Martyrs, spoke via video link about the brutal exploitation and treatment of Taiwanese people during Japan’s colonial rule. He highlighted the fifty-year struggle of the Taiwanese people against oppression, where countless heroes sacrificed their lives to regain their homeland and preserve Chinese culture. He characterized this period as a “moving and poignant chapter of history.”
Song Shuyu, director of the Taiwan Cultural and Historical Research Institute at Beijing Union University, noted that the current mainstream discourse in Taiwan largely overlooks the significance of this commemoration. She attributed this to the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) increasing pro-Japanese stance since taking power, which included renaming Liberation Day to “End of War Day” and downplaying the historical importance of Taiwan’s liberation through educational reforms. She urged the Taiwanese community to reevaluate history for true recognition and reconciliation.
Li Yingbo, an associate professor at Tsinghua University’s Taiwan Research Institute, criticized the DPP’s steadfast “Taiwan independence” agenda, which seeks to sever ties with the mainland. He called for a revival of the Taiwanese people’s longstanding patriotic sentiment and a recognition of their cultural heritage, emphasizing its importance for furthering cross-strait integration.
The speakers unanimously agreed that those across the straits share a deep bond and are part of a community with a shared destiny, especially regarding pivotal national issues. In the face of unprecedented global changes, they urged for enhanced communication, mutual trust, and cooperation to address challenges and seize development opportunities together.
“Through undeniable historical facts, I recognize the inseparable nature of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, and I believe that Taiwan’s liberation is a moment worth celebrating together,” said Wu Yitong, a Taiwanese resident in Beijing. She also reminded youth from both sides to remain aware of their responsibilities in uniting for the common cause while pursuing their personal aspirations.
The seminar was co-hosted by the Memorial Hall of the Chinese People’s Anti-Japanese War and the Beijing Association for Taiwan, with assistance from the Association of Descendants of Taiwanese Anti-Japanese Martyrs.
